Younger Obama supporters said that candidate offers a chance for a new beginning and change, while older backers of the senator from Illinois often likened his campaign to a Kennedy-esque moment in history.

Denmark Jones, 36 of Leschi, lobbied his precinct to vote Obama.
“At this time in history, we need a change,” Jones said. “Obama, just by being president, is a message to the world that, obviously, America has moved forward.”

Tom Jones, 57 of Mount Baker, said he was Clinton supporter until recently. But he told his precinct peers that he worries she would not be electable come November.

“I am very concerned that if Hillary is the nominee, McCain would win the election,” Jones said, adding that “fractious Republicans would unite” to defeat Clinton. “It would be Swift Boat times three.”

“I think Obama has started a movement unlike what we’ve seen since the Kennedy years,” Jones said.

Clinton backers, a clear minority in this crowd, spoke often to her experience and health care plan. Many who spoke on behalf of Clinton made a point to stress their respect and admiration for Obama.

William Golding, 50 of Mount Baker, told his neighbors the country needs someone ready to lead immediately.

“We really don’t have time for a long and painful learning process,” Golding said, pointing to Clinton’s plans for issues such as health care. “She’s already done her homework. We don’t need someone who still needs training wheels. We need someone who can ride the bike now.”

Tim Stidham, 61 who lives in the Jackson neighborhood, urged his neighbors to select Clinton.

“Health care is one of my big issues,” Stidham said. “Hillary Clinton, for 30 years, has been fighting for health care.”

Within the White House, Stidham said, “For the first time she would have the chance to effect change.”

Stidham acknowledged Obama is a charismatic man. “I would probably vote for either one of them.” And there may well be an Obama White House one day, he said.
Still, Clinton has more experience, he said. “At this point in time, my logical self looks at the voting records. … I feel that, logically, at this point in time Hillary would make the best candidate.”